From Nonna’s Kitchen to Dubai: Rinaldo’s Journey Toward Culinary Excellence
Imagine waking up to the rich, comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sizzle of olive oil in a pan as a grandmother stirs a pot of ragù with the kind of care only family knows. That’s exactly where Rinaldo Lanni’s journey began — in his Nonna’s kitchen, where food was much more than sustenance. It was a story, a tradition, and an expression of love.
Born and raised in Italy, Rinaldo was just eight years old when he found himself irresistibly drawn to his grandmother’s kitchen during summer breaks. “I didn’t want to miss a single chance to be with her,” he recalls fondly. “It wasn’t just about cooking; it was about connection, laughter, and stories you could taste.”
Today, Rinaldo Lanni is a name known in Dubai’s culinary circles, currently holding the position of Head Chef at Scalini Cucina, a restaurant where authentic Italian flavors meet contemporary flair. But his journey from that small Italian kitchen to the glittering culinary world of Dubai was anything but easy.
A Childhood Steeped In Tradition
Rinaldo’s earliest memories revolve around food markets and rustic kitchens. His Nonna, an endlessly warm and spirited woman, wasn’t merely a cook — she was a storyteller whose medium was food. Every dish had a tale. From selecting the freshest tomatoes at the market to preparing her famous desserts from scratch, she showed Rinaldo how food could be a bridge between generations.
“She didn’t just cook,” Rinaldo says. “She created lasting moments.” These moments laid the foundation for what would become his life’s calling. By the time he was 16, while most of his peers were relaxing during summer holidays, Rinaldo had stepped into a professional kitchen, eager to learn and unafraid of hard work.
The Bold Leap Into Professional Kitchens
Rinaldo’s first job as a kitchen hand quickly turned into a formative experience. At 18, he secured his first official position as a Commis Chef at a reputable Italian restaurant. It was a tough environment, with long hours and relentless pressure, but Rinaldo soaked up every moment. He wasn’t just learning recipes — he was absorbing techniques, discipline, and the essence of hospitality.
His dedication to understanding the diverse regions of Italian cuisine took him from the simplicity of Neapolitan flavors to the rich, complex dishes of Emilia-Romagna. Working in Tuscany introduced him to the world of fine dining, where plating was an art form and every ingredient had to tell a story.
“Fine dining was a different universe,” he remembers. “The level of detail, the philosophy behind every dish — it shaped how I see food today.”
Moving To Dubai: A Risk That Paid Off
At 24, Rinaldo made one of the most pivotal decisions of his life: moving to Dubai. It was a leap into the unknown, but one driven by a desire to share authentic Italian cuisine with an international audience.
“Dubai is a global food hub. Cultures and cuisines from around the world meet here,” he says. “It was the perfect place to challenge myself and grow.”
Joining Scalini Cucina proved to be the ideal match. The restaurant’s dedication to preserving authentic Italian traditions resonated with Rinaldo’s own philosophy. Here, he could carry on his Nonna’s legacy, infusing every dish with the same passion and storytelling he’d learned in her kitchen.
Building A Kitchen Culture Based On Respect
If you ask Rinaldo about his proudest achievements, he won’t list awards or accolades. Instead, he talks about the kitchen culture he’s built. “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that humility and consistency are just as important as talent,” he says.
“I believe in a kitchen where everyone understands each other’s work. When a pastry chef feels the pressure of the line, and a cook grasps the precision of pastry, that’s when true professional respect is born,” he explains. “The more you know, the better you become. And that curiosity is what keeps this profession alive.”
Challenges That Shaped The Chef
The road hasn’t been without obstacles. Long hours, high expectations, and being away from family tested Rinaldo’s resilience. “I’d tell my younger self it’s okay to cry from frustration,” he admits. “But never stop. Every challenge shapes you.”
Through it all, Rinaldo has kept his Nonna’s lessons close to heart. She gifted him a family cookbook filled with handwritten recipes, stories, and notes — an heirloom he treasures to this day.
“It’s more than a cookbook,” he smiles. “It’s my family’s history. Every dish connects me to home.”
Rinaldo’s Culinary Vision For The Future
For Rinaldo, the journey is far from over. He dreams of opening his own restaurant someday, a place that feels like stepping into an Italian home, where guests are treated like family and every meal is an experience.
He’s also passionate about mentoring the next generation of chefs. “I want young cooks to understand it’s not just about being fast or flashy. It’s about heart, patience, and tradition,” he shares.
Dubai’s vibrant and multicultural food scene continues to fuel his creativity. The diverse flavors, techniques, and people he encounters daily serve as constant inspiration.
“Food is a universal language,” he says. “It connects us in ways words sometimes can’t.”
Current Happenings And Where To Find Him
Currently, Rinaldo leads the culinary team at Scalini Cucina, where his menu boasts everything from traditional hand-rolled pasta to signature Italian desserts with a modern twist. His dishes reflect his philosophy: quality ingredients, careful technique, and heartfelt storytelling.
His Instagram, @rinaldo_96_lanni, offers a behind-the-scenes look into his kitchen life, from recipe developments to beautifully plated dishes and snapshots of the Dubai dining scene.
He also occasionally shares personal moments — from nostalgic memories of his Nonna’s cooking to his explorations of Dubai’s rich culinary landscape.
A Final Word Of Advice
When asked what advice he’d give aspiring chefs, Rinaldo says, “Stay patient and never forget why you started. Learn from every role, stay humble, and lead with passion.”
It’s a mantra that has carried him from a small-town kitchen in Italy to one of Dubai’s most respected restaurants, and it’s one he believes can inspire anyone chasing a dream.
“Every dish has a story,” Rinaldo concludes. “And every chef should have one too.” Do follow him on Instagram.
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